Feb 25, 2015

Short Time Late Sixties Mets Pitcher: Al Schmelz (1967)

Alan George Schmelz was born on November 12th 1943 in Whittier California. The six foot four right hander attended Arizona State University. There he was a team mate of futue Major leaguers Sal Bando, Rick Monday & future Mets catcher Duffy Dyer. He was signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Mets in 1966. In his first season at pro ball he went 12-0 in the New York Penn League but never matched that success again.
After going 8-12 with a 2.60 ERA at A ball Williamsport he was brought up as a September call up. Smeltz debuted on September 7th 1967 at Shea Stadium pitching in relief of Jerry Hinsley. He served up a solo HR to Julian Javier & finished off a 9-2 loss to the eventual World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. He earned no decision. On September 24th he made his final MLB appearance pitching in relief of Don Cardwell in a 4-2 loss to the Houston Astros.
He would pitch in the minor leagues through the 1969 season where finshed up at A ball Pompano Beach & then AA Memphis in the Mets organization. He also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates AA York team that season as well.